you got me in love again

19th April

"Tony asked me out on a date, and I agreed. But I'm not so sure about it now.", she admits. "What are you unsure about?", I ask and take another sip.

"I don't know. We have been friends for so long and I guess I'm afraid that it will be awkward.", she reveals. "I think you should give it a try.", I smile.

"You do?"

"Sure. To be honest, I'm surprised you didn't already date in high school. The two of you seem like a perfect match.", I say, and I mean it. They always seemed meant for each other.

"Okay, that's reassuring.", she says, and we continue catching up with each other. We haven't seen each other for long, well, long for us. It feels really good.

Two weeks later

Surprisingly, I was right about time. The last two weeks went over really quick and now it's only three weeks until I see Leah again. In person, I mean. Of course, I watch every game and we facetime whenever we can.

Tomorrow, Arsenal will play Manchester United away, but the team will travel there today already. Leah promised to call me when she arrives in her hotel room. She keeps that promise.

My phone rings when I just placed myself in bed, ready to start a film. Well, that will have to wait.

I answer the facetime call with a smile. "Hi baby."

"Hey", Leah beams at me through the phone. "Is it Marie? I want to say hi", I hear an excited Alessia and see her a second later. "Hey Marie, nice to see you.", she says.

"Nice to see you too.", I chuckle at her excitement. "How are you?", she asks and takes the phone out of Leah's and without even asking.

"I'm good, how are you?", I reply but before Alessia can even answer Leah takes back her phone. "My roommate is fine and just wanted to leave, right Alessia?", she says instead of Alessia, kind of kicking her out.

"Alright, I'm almost gone.", Alessia laughs, and I can see that she picks up her jacket in the background. "Where are you going?", I ask curious.

"Meeting the enemy.", Leah answers sternly. "Let me meet up with my best friend. Jesus fucking Christ. You can be glad that I will be gone", Alessia responses.

Leah laughs. "I'm just teasing you. Have fun with Ella.", she says and the two say goodbye.

"So, we will have time alone?", I ask.

"Exactly, but don't say you want phone sex. I'm too tired for this."

I laugh as an answer. "Don't worry, just wanted to ask if you want to watch a film with me."

"Sure, send me over the link.", Leah says and opens her laptop.

We discovered a plug-in that allows us to watch a movie together a few days ago. Well, I discovered it. It's pretty cool because it synchronises the films, so we are always at the exact same part of the film.

I copy the link and send it to Leah. "Thank you.", she says and logs in.

I decided on a comedy earlier, so we just let the movie play along while we chat.

"Are you looking forward to the game tomorrow?", I ask halfway through the movie.

"I am. I'm not meant to tell anyone yet...", she begins. "But you're going to tell me anyway.", I finish her sentence.

"Exactly. I will be captain tomorrow.", she reveals beaming. "That's awesome baby.", I say and wish I could hug her right now. "I hope Kim is okay though."

"She will be fine, don't worry.", Leah assures me. "By the way, I won't call after the game tomorrow. It's Lia's birthday and we want to go to a restaurant after."

"That's lovely. Tell her happy birthday from me."

"I will."

Leah and I end up falling asleep during the movie, on the phone together.

The phone is hung up when I wake up. Leah probably is already out with the team.

Tony and Laura will come over to watch the game tonight. I'm extremely excited to hear how their date went. Both coming here together is a good sign.

I prepare everything for a nice evening with them. I go to the shops to buy drinks and snacks. Laura and Tony will bring Pizza.

They arrive quite late. Both teams already walk onto the field on my tv when the doorbell rings.

"Why are you ringing? You have a key.", I say a bit annoyed as I open the door. "You're just mad you miss a second of your girlfriend on tv.", Laura replies.

"Speaking of which.", Tony says and interlocks his hand with Lauras. "I have to thank you Marie. We had a great date.", they both smile.

"So, you are a couple now?", I ask smiling as well. They nod. "Fucking finally.", I say relieved, and they laugh.

We sit down and eat our pizza, while watching the game and chatting. It is the beginning of the 11th minute when Leah falls down, immediately calling the meds over. I'm sitting on the edge of my seat. Laura and Tony recognised the concerned look on my face. The room is dead silent.

Leah looks in a lot of pain. The thought about that alone makes me want to throw up. Leah gets subbed off. She walks but looks in a lot of pain. I instantly take my phone and text her.

That didn't look good.

I hope you are okay.

I take a deep breath.

"Hey, she will be okay.", Tony tries to reassure me. "It probably looks worse than it is.", Laura adds, but they can't bring my mood back up. The woman I love is in pain and there is nothing I can do to make her feel better.

"Eat up. She will call you as soon as she can.", Laura hands me a piece of pizza but I'm suddenly not hungry anymore.

"I'm not hungry.", I say and stand up. "I'll be right back.", I say and head upstairs.

Once I'm in my room. I dial Leah's number. I don't even look for the contact. I just dial it. I have it mesmerized.

It rings until I hear Leah's voice but it's only the voicemail.

Please call me as soon as you can.

I send and quickly add another message.

I'm worried about you.

I walk back downside. The game is still on the tv.

"We can turn this off if you want.", Tony says as soon as he sees me.

"No, it's fine.", I say and sit back down. My phone visible on the table in case Leah calls.

The game ends with Arsenal losing. I don't care. I still haven't heard anything from Leah. Laura and Tony head home shortly after full time, assuring me everything will be okay.

I sit down in my room after they left when my phone buzzes. Leah.

I answer immediately.

"Hey baby.", I say in a soft voice.

"Hi.", Leah sniffs through the phone. She cried.

"I saw the game.", I explain. "What happened?"

"Marie.", she begins and takes a deep breath. "I think I did my ACL."